Doklam Set to Open for Tourism in 2025 as Part of India’s Battlefield Tourism Initiative
Eight years following the high-altitude military standoff between India and China, the Doklam plateau in Sikkim is scheduled to open to tourists in September 2025 as part of India's battlefield tourism initiative.
Perched at an elevation of 13,780 feet near the tri-junction of India, Bhutan, and China, Doklam captured national attention in June 2017 when Chinese forces attempted to construct a road in an area claimed by Bhutan. The Indian Army intervened to support Bhutan, leading to a tense 73-day standoff before China withdrew.
Doklam is among three strategic sites in Sikkim chosen by the Defence Ministry under the Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan programme to advance battlefield tourism. “We are preparing to open Doklam for visitors in September, when the tourist season starts in Sikkim,” stated C. Subhakar Rao, the State’s Additional Chief Secretary for Tourism and Civil Aviation.
The other two sites include Nathu La and Cho La, both known for historic conflicts between Indian and Chinese forces in 1967, prior to Sikkim's integration into India in 1975. Nathu La, located at 14,140 feet, is a well-visited tourist spot about 58 km from Gangtok. Cho La, at an altitude of 17,780 feet, is undergoing development to include rest areas, parking, and tourist facilities in collaboration with the Army.
Access to Cho La is through Tamzey, a high-altitude military outpost providing medical support to tourists who may experience altitude sickness.
Army engineers are contending with challenging terrain and high-altitude conditions to establish necessary infrastructure. “The idea is to preserve and showcase India’s valour in protecting its borders while promoting tourism,” commented a senior Army official.
Another significant addition to the circuit is Gurudongmar Lake, revered by Buddhists and Sikhs. Situated at 17,800 feet in Sikkim’s Mangan district, the lake has been named a Shaurya Gantavya, or destination of valour.
Currently, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh are the only northeastern States featuring such military-heritage tourism circuits. In Arunachal, Tawang and Walong—sites of the 1962 India-China war—are already included in the Shaurya Gantavya programme.
With Doklam becoming accessible to the public, Sikkim is poised to become a focal point for high-altitude, patriotism-fueled travel, offering tourists insights into India’s strategic frontiers and the tales of bravery they encapsulate.
